Lily Flower Tattoo: Meaning and 10 Beautiful Designs for Every Style
A lily flower tattoo is one of the most elegant flower designs you can choose. Lilies have tall stems, star shaped blooms and a sweet scent, and they have been symbols of purity, motherhood and rebirth for thousands of years. There are many types of lily, from calla lilies to tiger lilies, so a lily tattoo can be soft and delicate or bold and colorful.
This guide explains the lily flower tattoo meaning by color and type, and shares 10 lily tattoo designs shown on the skin, with tips on placement, style, cost and aftercare.
Table of Contents
Lily Flower Tattoo Meaning
These are the most common meanings behind a lily tattoo:
- Purity and innocence: especially the white lily.
- Motherhood: lilies are linked to the Virgin Mary and to Hera, the Greek goddess of mothers.
- Rebirth and renewal: lilies return every spring from their bulbs.
- Remembrance: white lilies are traditional at funerals.
- Devotion and love: lilies are a popular wedding flower.
- Pride and confidence: the bold tiger lily.
Lily Tattoo Meaning by Type
- Calla lily: beauty, elegance and new beginnings.
- Tiger lily: pride, wealth and courage.
- Stargazer lily: ambition, success and spark.
- Easter lily: hope, faith and resurrection.
- Lily of the valley: sweetness, humility and the May birth flower.
- Water lily: often confused with the lotus, it stands for peace and calm. See our lotus tattoo meaning guide.
Lily Colors and Their Meanings
- White: purity, sympathy and remembrance.
- Pink: love, admiration and femininity.
- Orange: confidence and passion.
- Yellow: joy and friendship.
- Purple: royalty and elegance.
- Red: deep love and romance.
10 Lily Flower Tattoo Designs
Each image below is a design mockup that shows how the lily flower tattoo idea can look on the skin, so you can picture size and placement before you visit your artist.
1. Fine Line Lily
A single lily on a long stem is the most popular lily tattoo. The slim shape follows the forearm beautifully. See our fine line tattoos guide. Shown here on the inner forearm.
2. Calla Lily
The calla lily, with its single smooth curved petal, is elegant and modern. It stands for beauty and new beginnings. Shown here on the outer forearm.
3. Tiger Lily
An orange tiger lily with spotted, curled petals is bold and confident. It stands for pride, wealth and courage. Shown here on the upper arm.
4. Stargazer Lily
The pink stargazer lily opens like a star and stands for ambition and success. It looks striking on the shoulder blade. Shown here on the shoulder blade.
5. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley, with tiny hanging bells, is the May birth flower and stands for sweetness and the return of happiness. Shown here on the ankle.
6. Lily Bouquet
A small bouquet of lilies tied with a ribbon is a lovely way to honor several family members or friends. Shown here on the outer thigh.
7. Watercolor Lily
Soft pink and purple washes make the lily look painted. Keep a thin outline so it stays clear. See our watercolor tattoo guide. Shown here on the upper back.
8. Lily Spine Tattoo
A tall lily stem running down the spine is elegant and feminine. Learn more in our spine tattoo guide. Shown here on the upper spine.
9. Memorial White Lily
White lilies are classic funeral flowers, so they make a gentle memorial tattoo with a name or date in the banner. See our memorial tattoos guide. Shown here on the forearm.
10. Tiny Lily
A tiny lily on the wrist keeps the meaning in a small, simple design. Browse more in our small tattoo ideas. Shown here on the inner wrist.
Best Placements for a Lily Tattoo
- Forearm: long stems and calla lilies.
- Spine and side: tall vertical stems with several blooms.
- Shoulder blade and upper back: stargazers and watercolor pieces.
- Ankle and wrist: tiny lilies and lily of the valley.
- Thigh: bouquets with room for detail.
Compare more spots in our tattoo placement guide.
Cost and Aftercare
In the US, a small lily tattoo usually costs $80 to $200. A larger color piece, bouquet or spine design usually costs $250 to $700. See our tattoo cost guide. Keep the new tattoo clean, moisturize lightly and keep it out of the sun while it heals. Follow our tattoo aftercare steps, and read the US Food and Drug Administration page on tattoo safety before you book.
Tips for Designing Your Lily Tattoo
- Pick the right lily: a calla, tiger and stargazer lily look completely different, so bring a photo of the exact type.
- Show the stamens: the long stamens help the flower read as a lily.
- Use the stem: a long stem helps the design follow your arm, leg or spine.
- Plan color carefully: white flowers are shaded in grey because white ink fades.
- Add a name or date: lilies are popular memorial and birth flower tattoos.
Choosing a Style for Your Design
- Fine line: elegant single stems.
- Black and grey realism: soft, lifelike petals.
- Color realism: bright tiger lilies and stargazers.
- Watercolor: dreamy color washes.
- Japanese: lilies paired with koi or waves. See our Japanese tattoo ideas.
Lily Tattoos for Moms and Memorials
Because lilies are linked to motherhood and remembrance, many people choose them to honor a mother, a grandmother or a child. A white lily with a name, a lily of the valley for a May birthday or a lily bouquet with one bloom per family member all turn the flower into a personal tribute. See our mom tattoos guide for more ideas.
Ideas for Men and for Women
Women often choose fine line lilies, lily of the valley and stargazers on the forearm, ankle or spine, while men often choose black and grey lilies in memorial pieces or as part of a Japanese sleeve. The meaning of renewal and love suits everyone.
Popular Combinations
- Butterflies: change and new life next to the flower of rebirth.
- Hummingbirds: joy and energy around the blooms.
- Crosses or rosaries: faith, especially with Easter lilies.
- Roses: love paired with purity.
- Names and dates: a personal tribute.
Keep the extra element small so the flower stays the focus, and ask your artist to balance the stems and leaves around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a lily flower tattoo mean?
A lily flower tattoo usually means purity, motherhood, rebirth, love and remembrance. The exact meaning depends on the type and color.
What does a tiger lily tattoo mean?
A tiger lily usually stands for pride, confidence, wealth and courage.
What is the birth flower for May?
Lily of the valley is the birth flower for May, along with the hawthorn.
Where should I put a lily tattoo?
The forearm, spine, ankle and shoulder blade are the most popular spots.
Are the tattoos in these photos real?
No. The images are design mockups created to show how each lily flower tattoo idea can look on the skin. Use them as inspiration and ask your artist for a custom version.
About These Images
The images in this guide are digitally created design mockups, not photos of real clients. They show how each lily flower tattoo idea could look on the skin. Use them as inspiration and let a licensed artist adapt the design for you. For more flower meanings, see our flower tattoos for women and lotus tattoo meaning guides.
